A few things that really upset Americans

Oh, Bruce.

Here's what actually upset U.S. citizens this week:

1. A reflecting pool renovation that was to include an updated filtration system immediately filled with algae bloom. That was after Donnie Dimwit ... excuse me ... President Donnie Dimwit ... told the taxpayers that it would cost between $1.5 and $1.8 million. Final cost? $16 million. He insisted on having it painted "American Flag Blue" even though anyone with a third-grade education can tell you dark colors retain heat thereby creating an excellent environment for algae. So, instead of draining the swamp he created one. 

2. A needless war that has cost American lives for a ridiculous MOU that was a worse agreement with Iran than John Kerry developed years ago within the actual channels of diplomacy, something this administration wouldn't know if it smacked them upside the head. 

3. A sporting event on the South Lawn? Fine. UFC? Tacky, but whatever. Making sponsorship deals as President of the United States for an overblown birthday party? Not speaking out when one of those "fighters" made a racist comment about a former first lady? It was a disgusting display at the People's House. This administration has made it normal, and celebrated even, to be violent, crass, unkind and unhinged. It is disgusting.

4. The President of the United States should not be profiting off of the taxpayers. The Grifter in Chief, though, is making stock trades and personal investments from the Oval Office. Republicans, who tout a need for small government, financial responsibility and constituent servitude, are more interested in weird moral flexes like what bathroom someone uses than in actually protecting their constituents' financial security. 

5. The Kennedy Center was named as a memorial to a president who understood the importance of the arts in society. It was sanctioned by Congress. Trump is not only ignorant to what the arts provide to society (his culture can be found in a petri dish, or the reflecting pool for that matter), but also did not get Congressional approval to add his name to the building. Oh. And he's not dead. You know, the thing that's required for a memorial. He broke the law. Again. That is why people were upset, Bruce. 

The United States is a laughing stock for the rest of the world. Our allies no longer support us. The national debt has grown more under both Trump administrations than under any other president in history. The leader of this moral superiority weirdness from the right is ironic considering there is nothing moral about the two brain cells in the Oval Office. His entire family is profiting off of the U.S. taxpayer. Citizens are losing their homes, cars and paychecks because he doesn't understand, nor care, what a tariff is or how inflation works.

And still. Still people support him. That tells me all I need to know. It's more upsetting that you aren't upset, Bruce. Turn off Fox News and do some research. Ask some questions. Educate yourself. Take some time to figure out why people are upset instead of genuflecting in front of a golden-orange idol.

REBECCA PALMER

Sandpoint